Smart Plastics
Very often, the utility of preventive measures such as forward-looking risk minimisation and preventive maintenance is not easy to see without a specific example case. Such cases are normally provided with theoretical insights or alternative use cases. To make it clear for smart plastics, we have spared no expense in preparing a real-life test case.
Today we want to take a concrete look at how we solve this at igus with i.Cee, our smart plastics range for predictive maintenance. In summary, this intelligent linear system offers integrated wear measurement including the reporting of predictive maintenance information.
drylin linear guide systems have to withstand extreme conditions in continuous operation or even in abrasive environments. So that the the linear guides can slide without lubricant, igus relies on linear bearings made of high-performance polymers. But when should I change the bearing? The smart linear carriage from igus helps here. Due to intelligent sensors, the maintenance technician receives information about the maintenance requirement at the push of a button.
Plain bearings often have to withstand considerable adverse influences such as abrasive dust, high speeds or chemicals. To enable indication of the degree of wear of such plain bearings in good time, last year igus developed the world’s first intelligent bearing with iglidur high-performance polymers. This warns of imminent failure in good time. Machine and equipment operators can plan maintenance, repairs and part replacement in advance.
In this particular case, I will focus on the concept of condition monitoring. This technology at igus is called i.Sense and is derived from sensing/feeling. We found the name quite appropriate, as condition monitoring has exactly this function: the sensing of malfunctions.